Removal instructions for the SimpleCache adware-type application

What kind of application is SimpleCache?

Our research team discovered the SimpleCache app while investigating submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this piece of software, we learned that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. SimpleCache runs intrusive ad campaigns and may have additional harmful capabilities.

SimpleCache adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, pop-ups, coupons, banners, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

Note that certain conditions may be required for adware to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, etc.). However, even if SimpleCache does not display ads – it remains a threat to device/user safety.

Adware-delivered advertisements commonly promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and malware. Some can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

It is pertinent to mention that while genuine products and services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Furthermore, AdLoad adware often has browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe these functionalities while investigating the SimpleCache application.

What is more, advertising-supported software usually collects sensitive user data, and this might be true of SimpleCache. Targeted information can include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

In summary, software like SimpleCache may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ads by SimpleCache
Threat Type	Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names	Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), Full List (VirusTotal)
Additional Information	This application belongs to Adload malware family.
Symptoms	Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), torrent file downloads.
Damage	Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Adware examples

ProfessionalView, ExpandedControl, and ResolutionRanking are but a few examples of adware we have investigated recently.

Software within this classification typically appears ordinary and harmless. It also offers a broad range of useful features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

Keep in mind that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did SimpleCache install on my computer?

Adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects generated by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system.

Additionally, adware is spread by intrusive adverts. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution. Therefore, we advise reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look ordinary and innocuous – however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

If you keep encountering adverts/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SimpleCache, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once SimpleCache adware's installation is over:

SimpleCache adware's installation folder:

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is SimpleCache?
• STEP 1. Remove SimpleCache related files and folders from OSX.
• STEP 2. Remove SimpleCache ads from Safari.
• STEP 3. Remove SimpleCache adware from Google Chrome.
• STEP 4. Remove SimpleCache ads from Mozilla Firefox.

Video showing how to remove SimpleCache adware using Combo Cleaner:

SimpleCache adware removal:

Remove SimpleCache-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash.

After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Remove malicious Safari extensions:

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

• If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays advertisements that promote harmful content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). The software itself is classed as a privacy threat, as it usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some adware types are also capable of force-opening sites and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove SimpleCache adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, various file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the software has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough adware removal is paramount.

▼ Show Discussion